Joining Bottles Project: bonding technique using shrunk plastic bottles

Today’s post is quite different from all other posts. Not in the way that it’s a different design category. No, it’s about a bonding technique that makes it possible to create unique lamps and furniture using plastic bottles. Not only the design pieces are unique, but also the technique itself. I was completely blown away when I watched the video and saw the photos. So what’s it all about?

A bonding technique that let you upcycle many objects

Well, it’s about a technique, still experimental, that lets you join wood pieces by using plastic bottles. This experiment is called Joining Bottles Project and is created by Micaella Pedros, a social and humanitarian designer based in London. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Design Product at the Royal College of Art in 2016.

Micaella found an original way to use a bonding technique to build functional structures made out of wood waste. She uses discarded plastic bottles and by heating them they are transformed into a bonding material.

Micaella Pedros:

“Joining Bottles seeks to contribute to new beliefs based on what we, as individuals and communities, can do with what is available to us. In some countries, this project can make a real difference, promoting the collect of plastic bottles and wood waste, and helping people to empower themselves.”

A self-adapting technique

The great thing about this project is that one can upcycle plastic bottles using this bonding technique and combine it with other found materials or objects. The technique can adapt itself to lots of different shapes. The newly created objects or structures are thereby 100% upcycle design pieces.


Another nice aspect, and no less important, is the fact that when you normally design something, you seek perfection. By using this bonding technique one notices that there’s more space for randomness and spontaneity. And these two aspects bring more pleasure in designing and ensure more playful design pieces.

What is democratic design?

Her work is inspired by the values of democratic design and do-it-yourself culture. If you wonder what democratic design is, well you’re not the only one, I did too. The point is that good and high-quality design is accessible to everyone. In other words, products designed by great designers should be available to everybody. It consists of five elements: form, function, quality, sustainability, and a low price. Designers who adopt democratic design also give great attention to fields like economy, environment, sustainability, and production efficiency.


Photos and video © Micaella Pedros

Micaella Pedros truly developed her practice and philosophy during her volunteering experience in Uganda in 2014 and her work/travel in Guatemala in 2015.
Through design, she seeks to contribute to society by unveiling ways to play and benefit from local resources and natural forces in order to empower people.
Would be nice to see what different people come up with by using this bonding technique. Could be full of surprises. I don’t know about you, but I can hardly wait to start experimenting.

Design by Micaella Pedros